The Best Drinks Advent Calendars for 2022

It's November and that means one thing… Christmas is a common feature on all the shelves with piles of baubles here and boxes of shimmering tinsel there. It also means that this year’s round of drinks advent calendars are being released! Woo-hoo!

The countdown to Christmas is on, and what better way to enjoy it than by opening a boozy treat each day? If you’re a bah humbug then it makes the countdown enjoyable, and if you’re already a Christmas convert then it makes it even better! They’re getting more and more creative every year with options a-plenty, and we’ve got something for everyone with our handy guide below!

For Fine Spirits drinkers:

The Whisky Exchange Spirits Advent Calendar

Welcome to the ultimate, luxurious treat for a lover of fine spirits. The Whisky Exchange have put together 24 minature bottles of whisky, rum, gin, amaro, calvados and more, all of which are exclusive bottlings, under-the-radar spirits or some of the biggest names in fine booze. Simply stunning and berautifully packaged.
Find here: £150

For Gin drinkers:

Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Advent Calendar

Most gin drinkers will already be on drinking terms with Fever-Tree and their cracking selection of tonics. This year, their masters of mixology have paired them up with some of the UK’s best-known gin brands like Tanqueray and Hendrick’s, as well as some new kids on the block. Perfect dance partners like Ginger Ale and Ophir’s spicy gin wait behind each door so have fun finding and tasting the pairings as the month rolls on!

Find here: £60

The Premium Edition Gin Advent Calendar

With 24 wax-sealed 30ml samples of gin from around the world hand picked by experts, there’s something for everyone behind each door! From classics to new releases, Tarquin’s Figgy Pudding Gin to Bluecoat’s American Dry, this is a yuletide medley you won’t want to miss!

Find here: £99.95

For Rum drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Rum Advent Calendar

There’s something tantalising behind every door for the rum drinkers too, with this Drinks by the Dram calendar. Dark rum, white rum, golden rum, whatever you’ve wished for it’s in here. Try unusual delights like award-winning Discarded Banana Peel Rum and enjoy old familiars such as Plantation’s XO.

Find here: £149.95

For Tequila drinkers:

The Spirit Co – Arriba Tequila Advent Calendar

You will begin a 24-day long journey to enlightenment with this, and how many advent calendars can you say that about? Although they’re 30ml sized bottles, The Spirit Co’s 24 tequila picks are designed for you to taste and discover the subtleties of this Mexican icon. From fresh Blanco, to complex Añejo, you will understand tequila on a whole new level by the time the big day comes.

Find here: £124.95

For Vodka drinkers:

Drinks by the Dram – Vodka Advent Calendar

Vodka is a spirit that can be found being dismissed by some as monotonous. Well, with a new year on the horizon, it’s time to change those misconceptions. These expertly curated tasters are a perfect opportunity to learn about how vodka can vary, and what you’re individually drawn to. Whether it’s drinking crisply smooth originals or subtle berry beauties, every day is a school day and school has never been so fun.

Find here: £99.95

For Whisky drinkers:

Whisky Explorers’ Edition Advent Calendar

Winter whisky warms the soul perfectly over the festive season, and as you prize open each cardboard door, a new whisky awaits. From traditional Irish whiskeys to a new whisky that is actually designed by artificial intelligence(!!), this advent calendar is perfect for someone wanting to dip their toe into the wonderful world of whisky.

Find here: £99.95

Whisky Premium Edition Advent Calendar

If you’re already a card-carrying whisky explorer or know someone that is then this calendar is for those ready to take the step up. Every door is filled with a wax-sealed 30ml dram of top tier whisky, carefully selected by world-famous producers. Aged to perfection, this is a great way of eying up your favourite premium whisky without buying a whole bottle. Pricey sure, but if you can’t treat yourself or others at Christmas time when can you?

Find here: £249.95

For Wine drinkers:

Brixton Wine Club Canned Wine Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is jam packed with Brixton Wine Club’s favourite canned wines from throughout the year, including limited editions and ones that have sold out so it’s a real treat. There are reds, whites, seltzers, bubbles and not only that, but we were happy to see so many up and coming British wines included too!

Find here: £125

Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar

Every December day is made that bit better by a delicious quarter-bottle of wine waiting for you, isn’t it? All packaged up in a cosy Christmas market scene too, so it makes a wonderful festive addition to your home. We won’t spoil it for you but there also may or may not be a special treat on Christmas Eve too ;)

Find here: £69.99

For Cocktail drinkers:

NIO 12-day Advent Cocktail Box

This is the perfect advent for sharing because you can reveal cocktails two at a time over 12 days, so don’t worry you do still get your 24 drinks! And you even get a garnish too, so you can really indulge in the authentic cocktail experience. The calendar houses a very alluring cocktail hall of fame, with Negroni, Manhattan, Cosmo, Espresso Martini, and Daiquiri to name a few. There’s also sure to be some surprises for you too.

Find here: £115

For Beer drinkers:

Beavertown Craft Beer Advent Calendar

Don’t worry beer guzzlers, there’s something for you to countdown to Christmas as well. Craft beer extraordinaries Beavertown have created a delightfully vibrant advent calendar this year, and a limited-edition version that includes a load of cool gifts too. 6 mini boxes are included so they’re perfect to pop in the fridge, meaning that the only surprise is which beer you get, not that it’s warm!

Find here: £58 / £68 (Limited Edition)

For Cider drinkers:

Lilley’s 2022 Advent Calendar

There are even cider advent calendars these days, and we love the interesting concoctions of Lilley’s. Pear flavoured Bee Sting had picked up plenty of awards for the Somerset company, and the same can be said for their Rhubarb flavour. Also, if you like sweet ciders, then let us tell you that the Mango is a must try. There are 24 full size bottles so it’s good value too, and you can go look up each interesting flavour... or keep it as a Christmas surprise! Scrumptious.

Find here: £66

If you’re still stuck for gift ideas or just fancy looking at what else is out there, check out our other drinking gift ideas and be sure to let us know if you’ve got your eyes on any advent calendars we’ve missed out here.

Words by Calum Ecroyd

21 Great Spots to Drink Sherry in the UK

Where to drink Sherry in the UK for International Sherry Week and all year round…

Now in its 9th year, International Sherry Week is the world’s largest celebration of Sherry wines from Southern Spain. This year, it runs from Monday 7th - Sunday 13th November 2022. 

Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Cream Sherry… Lovers of this fabulous, fortified wine from Jerez, Spain, know that it’s not all about the sweet stuff Grandma drinks at Christmas but instead, is about enjoying a savoury and saline, food friendly drink in all its wonderfully complex, fudge, salted almond and citrus peel glory.

You can watch a short film and read about what Sherry actually is this bite-size guide but if you just want to get out there and do some tasting, perhaps with a masterclass or with some tapas thrown in, then here’s your ultimate guide to some great venues around the UK for discovering the delights of Sherry for Sherry Week and beyond. 

Sherry Week Events (7th-13th November)

All the locations below are fantastic destinations to try Sherry all year round, but first, here are some specific events to check out during International Sherry Week this November:

Helena with José Pizzaro at José in Bermondsey Street, London.

José Pizarro’s restaurants and tapas bars (London)

‘Get lost in our huge Spanish wine list and sherries and cocktails’ they say. We say, ‘yes please!’ A celebration of all things Spanish awaits you all year round at José Pizarro’s venues but for Sherry week, they are offering the perfect way to kick start your dinner: try three sherries beautifully complemented by Jamón Ibérico Cinco Jotas. £18.50 per head from 7th-13th November.

Pizarro
194 Bermondsey St, 
London,
SE1 3TQ.

José Tapas Bar
104 Bermondsey Street,
London,
SE13UB.

José Pizarro Broadgate Circle
36 Broadgate Circle,
London,
EC2M 2QS.
josepizarro.com

At José on Bermondsey Street, London

Fourth And Church (Hove)

This restaurant and wine bar has quickly earned a reputation as a great foodie destination in Hove, offering tastings and events all year round. Join their expert Paul for a relaxed afternoon during Sherry Week, exploring six wines from Jerez, all perfectly paired with a six course menu.

When: November 13, 2022, 1-4pm
84 Church Rd, 
Hove,
BN3 2EB
www.fourthandchurch.co.uk

Ambiente Tapas (Hull, Leeds & York)

Ambiente Tapas is a welcoming group of restaurants dotted around the country, each celebrating the world of Spanish food and wine - especially Sherry. To celebrate International Sherry Week, Ambiente is hosting exclusive, five course, sherry paired dinners featuring wines from Gonzalez Byass sherries across its various locations:

When: 9th November - Bodega Lustau  - Hull. 
When: 10th November - Bodegas Gonzalez Byass - Leeds.
When: 11th November - Bodegas Barbadillo - Tabanco By Ambiente Restaurant, York
ambiente-tapas.co.uk

The Reliance (Leeds)

This pretty bar and dining room has the gorgeously relaxed feel of an old school classroom with its wooden floors and mismatched chairs and tables. For Sherry Week, join the team on the 9th November for a menu of seasonal small plates paired with eight delicious Sherries.

When: 9th November
76-78 North Street,
Leeds,
LS2 7PN.
The-reliance.co.uk

The Wine Rooms (Cambridge)

A destination fine wine bar and shop bringing the world of wine to life through their extensive list of over 500 bottles and a large list of wines by the glass. During Sherry week, Spanish Sommelier Gonzalo will lead a masterclass through all the styles of Sherry. Come here any time of year though to taste with seasonal plates and regular events. 

When: 10th November
57 Hills Road,
Cambridge,
CB2 1NT
thewineroomscambridge.com

Lo Rapitenc Spanish Deli (Frome)

For something a little different, hold onto your hats and head to Lo Rapitenc in Frome! Join Antonio Morenés, co-founder of Diatomists and leader of the so-called ‘Sherry Revolution’ for an overview of the region and tasting of each wine. Described as ‘a guerrilla wine night, which promises to be intoxicating, festive and a delight to the senses,’ the evening will conclude with after dinner drinks and live music by a Latin music duo. Bring your dancing shoes!

When: 12th November
21 Cheap St, 
Frome,
BA11 1NN
Lorapitencspanishfood.com

Lunyalita (Liverpool)

Ok, so not officially set in Sherry week, but just afterwards, Luyalita will be hosting a Sherry tasting of six wines with matching tapitas, hosted by their resident expert, Ian Jackson. Part of the Lunya family, Lunyalita is set over two floors overlooking Liverpool’s gorgeous Albert Dock. The menu offers a  wide range of classic and modern tapas at lunch and breakfast, with tapas, deli platters and paella served throughout the rest of the day.

When: 24th November
Britannia Pavilion, 
Royal Albert Dock, 
Liverpool, 
L3 4AD.
lunya.co.uk/events

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (Edinburgh)

The brilliant Rose Murray Brown MW will be hosting a 12 wine tasting including Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso & PX from leading bodegas, all served with Spanish charcuterie. Personalised gift vouchers are also available on request. No prior knowledge required!

When: 9th November
The Vaults, 
87 Giles St, 
Leith, 
Edinburgh,
EH6 6BZ.
Rosemurraybrown.com

Lind and Lime Gin Distillery (Leith)

Lind & Lime Gin Distillery has got together with Slonk for a fantastic Sherry experience. On arrival, you'll be treated to a Sherry Cocktail, followed by a five Sherry masterclass served with a delicious Spanish Tapas feast by Pablo Sensat of Manda Huevos fame.

When: 13th November
24 Coburg Street,
Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6HB.
Tickets here

Oxford Wine Café (Oxford)

This cosy café style wine bar is a vino lover's dream, boasting a huge list of wines from all over the world, made by smaller, ultra-passionate, boutique-style producers that you will not find in supermarkets and big chains. During Sherry week, they will be showcasing an extensive sherry menu paired with a number of delicious tapas dishes and are holding a big tasting on the Thursday night.

When: 11th November
32 Little Clarendon Street,
Jericho,
Oxford,
OX1 2HU.
oxfordwinecafe.co.uk

Other great locations to taste Sherry all year round

BRISTOL

Adelina Yard

Adelina Yard is found nestled in Bristol’s Welsh Back district and serves fine, seasonal, modern European dishes in a relaxed, informal, yet highly instagrammable atmosphere.

Adelina Yard, 
Queen Quay, 
Welsh Back, 
Bristol,
BS1 4SL.
adelinayard.com

BIRMINGHAM

Loki Wine

Loki Wine has risen to fame these past few years and is the most awarded wine merchant in Birmingham. This fabulous, wine merchant-cum-wine bar offers a huge range of Sherry and other wines to purchase as well as taste by the glass. This is also the place for various fun, wine and tasting courses and events. Choose from any of their three locations:

Loki Wine Edgbaston, 10 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3AU
Loki Wine Birmingham City Centre (GWA), 36 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham, B2 5HU
Loki Wine Knowle, 20-22 Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0HT
Lokiwine.co.uk

FROME

The High Pavement 

This cosy, Moorish jewel of a restaurant is set above the picturesque cobbled streets of Frome’s St Catherine’s quarter and offers a delicious, ever changing menu of Moorish Tapas inspired by the flavours of Spain, North Africa and the Middle East. The wine list boasts an excellent selection of bottles from small, independent growers as well as an extensive sherry list.

8, Palmer St, 
Frome,
BA11 1DS.
thehighpavement.co.uk

LEEDS

Iberica (Leeds)

The stunning Hepper Building in Leeds is a location to behold with its high ceilings and chandeliers. It’s like stepping back in time! Iberica is a place to celebrate all Spanish food and drink with an extensive wine list including many types of Sherry. Check out their events too and you can opt for private dining and even a Spanish afternoon tea. 

Hepper House, 
17a East Parade, 
LS1 2BH, 
Leeds.
Ibericarestaurants.com

LONDON

Gordon’s Wine Bar

Gordon’s wine bar is a London institution. The city’s oldest bar is set in a fabulous, candlelit, 19th Century vaulted cellar that has maintained its original Dickensian décor, it boasts a fabulous range of wines including an impressive array of Sherries. Come here to plot a revolution and have a great glass of vino.

47 Villiers Street,
London,
WC2N 6NE.
Gordonswinebar.com

The Opera Tavern

Part of the Salt Yard group, the famous Opera Tavern is a classic, Covent Garden pub and is ideal for a quick bite of jamon Iberico and a slurp of Palo Cortado before catching a show at the theatre or opera. 

23 Catherine St, 
London,
WC2B 5JS.
saltyardgroup.co.uk

Bar Pepito

Cosy and romantic with bottles everywhere, Bar Pepito combines a warm, Andalusian atmosphere with an extensive range of speciality Jerez sherries and a fantastic tapas menu served with a twist. It’s a must at any time of year!

3 Varnishers Yard,
The Regent Quarter,
Kings Cross,
N1 9FD.
camino.uk.com

Andanza

Down the road from Pizarro in Bermondsey is a tiny little, rustic, Spanish foodie gem in the form of Andanza. Come here for authentic Spanish meats and cheeses with a great range of wines and Sherries. You’ll want to photograph everything too!

66 Weston St,
London,
SE1 3QJ
andanza.co.uk

MANCHESTER

Flok

Flok is a cosy, yet vibrant,  vintage feel bar and kitchen offering Mediterranean-inspired small plates as well as wines, craft beers, cocktails and spirits. This place has a reputation for its Sherry list too, which you can taste by the glass. Highly recommended. 

5 Stevenson Square, 
Manchester,
M1 1DN
flokmcr.co.uk

CARDIFF

Curado Bar & Vermut

Curado Bar Jamon & Pintxos in Cardiff and its snug little wine bar Vermut next door, offer a piece of authentic Spain right in the heart of the city. Vermut has Spanish wines on tap and specialises in three styles of wines: Sherry, Vermouth and Montilla-Moriles. 

2 Guildhall Place, 
Westgate Street, 
Cardiff, 
CF10 1EB.
curadobar.com

BATH

Pintxo Bath

Tucked away in Barton Street, Pintxo de Bath is a cosy, wood-clad, authentically Basque-style tapas and sherry bar in the heart of Bath’s theatre district. Inspired by the famous Pintxo bars of San Sebastián, they also serve a large range of Sherries all year round and even have a secluded, dedicated Sherry garden! 

31 Barton Street, 
Bath, 
Somerset,
BA1 1HG.
pintxobath.co.uk

Heading to these? Tag us on Instagram @TheThreeDrinkers using #SherryWeek. Want more sherry info? Here’s Helena’s wine basics video guide.

Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 96

Episode 96 of the Bring a Bottle podcast is out now! There’s perfect bonfire booze, vegan OatNog, the new Monopoly game that could be the source of controversy, and some hilarious confessions thrown in for good measure! Listen in via the player below.

Our Guest Drinkers

Joining Aidy in this episode are two guests! Entrepreneur Jay Akbar is the brains behind the decanter concept Wolf Whiskey, but he also gets involved in boxing, bouldering and he’s even written his own book! Welcome, Jay! @wolf_whiskey_

Completing our line-up is Lewis Stairs, founder of the Sunday Cocktail Club Instagram account. By day, Lewis is into software and tech but by night he is a mixologist, experimenting with so many different drinks that he’s built a shed to house them all! Great to have you! @sundaycocktailclub

What’s In Our Glass?

We can’t get enough of the Glen Grant lately, and over the last few episodes, we’ve enjoyed both their 10 and 12 year old single malt Scotch so it seems only right that this week it’s the 15 year old in our glasses! Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, it’s eventually bottled at a hearty 50% ABV. It has a really well-rounded bold and fruity flavour profile and a rich vanilla oak char running throughout. It is a beautiful example of a classic Speyside whisky!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £59.95

Classic Highball Cocktail

For those wanting to mix it up, it would work really in an Old Fashioned, however, it would work equally well in a classic Whisky Highball. Recipe below!

Ingredients
50ml Glen Grant 15YO
Soda (to top up)
Freeze dried apple (garnish)

Method
Sometimes simple is best and topping up the Glen Grant with soda over ice and a nice garnish (the apple works incredibly well) lets the amazing flavour of this whisky shine through.

Drinks News

Just in time for Christmas, a Napa Valley Monopoly has been released! The key wineries, restaurants, and landmarks of one of the most coveted wine regions in the world are all included, but will there also be controversy over who missed out?

The Perfect Cocktail for Bonfire Night – Toffee Apple Hot Toddy

This truly is a wonderfully warm cocktail for cool Autumn nights and perfect for sipping as you watch a bonfire crackle.

Ingredients
25ml toffee vodka
30ml bourbon
40ml apple juice
Splash of lemon (optional)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
All you’ve got to do is heat everything up and take it with you in a flask! Only add the lemon if you enjoy a slightly sour edge, but we think it pairs nicely. Let it sit for a while to infuse the cinnamon and enjoy! You can check out Lewis making it here.

Buy it or Bin it

We try a switch up on the festive classic of Eggnog this week. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla intertwine with rum and oat milk to create Oatnog! Black Lines Drinks have created this vegan alternative to be enjoyed hot or cold this Christmas, and for every bottle sold, they’re donating 5 meals to Londoners in need, so try it and see what you think!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 6%
Find here: £20

If you enjoyed these snippets then make sure you listen in to the rest of the episode here.

7 Things Every Rum Lover Needs in Their Home Bar

At The Three Drinkers, we spend so much time thinking about different rums and all the cocktails to make from them, so it’s no surprise that we’ve noticed the same things popping up over and over.

Whether it be barware, garnishes or mixers, if you love rum as much as we do, these 7 things are a must for your home bar. After all, if you’ve always got them in the cupboard then you’re never far away from a drink that really hits the spot!

What Barware do you Need for Rum Cocktails?

Cocktail Set

Some cocktails will just require a light stir, others shaken and strained. If you’re experimenting with rum, then having a cocktail set that can do it all will make everything that bit easier. This kit contains a professional shaker that’s essential to any home set up, strainers to smooth out your mixes and much more. Also, you can stay on top of the notorious ‘home measures’ with the jiggers included ;) All in a fabulous gift box tube too!

Find here: £24.99

Rum Glasses

Traditionally, each cocktail has its own glass to match. The Poco Grande for a piña colada, the Collins for a mojito etc. If you want the ultimate experience, then spoil yourself with a beautiful glass for each of your favourite rum concoctions but to a certain extent (shh don’t tell anyone we said this!), a glass is a glass, right? A sturdy low baller for you drinkers who like your rum neat and a tulip shaped number for your cocktails will more than suit your rum needs.

Find here: £35 for 4 x Lowball / £5.50 for 2 x Hurricane

Which garnishes work well with rum?

Lime - Fruits for Drinks

Daiquiri, Pina Colada, Mai Tai, Mojito, the list goes on. Lime and rum go brilliantly, whether that’s the juice, zest or as a garnish. It’s by far the fruit that you’ll need most for your rum concoctions, so always have some on hand. For your garnishes, Fruits For Drinks’ lime bags are freeze dried and come in a resealable fresh pack that lasts for 9 months once opened, so you don’t need to worry about fresh limes going to waste. Lime = essential.

Find here: £7.99

Which spirits and mixers go well with rum?

Angostura Orange Bitters

Angostura’s orange bitters have become a staple part of many bartender’s inventories across the world, and there’s no reason your home bar should be any different. The rustic bottle contains an intense blend of Caribbean orange peel as well as infused spices like cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. You’ll find it coming into play an awful lot, whether that’s in a Zombie, a Rum Old Fashioned, or pretty much any pineapple rum cocktail or rum punch. It’s also great to liven up a simple rum and coke. They say nothing rhymes with orange, but rum certainly does...taste wise anyway.

ABV: 28%
Size: 10cl
Find it here: £8.50

Bob’s Vanilla Bitters

Another bitter you can rely on is Bob’s Vanilla Bitters. The rich vanilla takes those sweeter rum cocktails to the next level, accompanying the creaminess of a piña colada perfectly. It’s another one that can breathe new life into a simple rum and coke, and you’ll find it blends perfectly with the vanilla notes in many Caribbean rums. Yum!

ABV: 35%
Size: 10cl
Find it here: £12.74

Ginger Beer

Ginger is a magical match for the spicier rums, so a good ginger beer or ginger ale is always useful to have on hand. You’ll be able to knock out Dark ‘n’ Stormies like nobody’s business, as well as Caribbean Mules and all kinds of punches. Fever-tree has pulled together ginger from the Congo, The Ivory Coast and India to give a hot and root-y flavoured ginger beer and Franklin & Sons uses natural root ginger extract and sparkling spring water in their subtle, refreshing ginger ale.

Fever Tree - Size: 200ml // Find it here: 4 x £3.60
Franklin & Sons - Size: 150ml // Find here: 24 for £15

Cointreau

Cointreau is a fresh and fruity orange liqueur that you’ll see on many an ingredients list, and one you should definitely have ready to go. Mai Tai, Long Island iced tea, Rum sidecar, Daiquiri, we could go on. Cointreau and rum make for a pretty formidable duo!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £22.99

If you’ve got all of the above then you’re well on the way to an impressive rum armoury, but let’s not forget that the star of the show is of course the rum itself. If you want to stock up on some of our favourite rums for under £30, go here! And to find out how to make all those rum cocktails mentioned above, click here!

8 Stunning Wine Finished Whiskies You Need in Your Glass

If you’re not familiar with a ‘whisky finish’, then let us very quickly explain what it is. It’s when the spirit is aged in a cask from a certain origin, before being moved to a different cask for further maturation. More often than not you’ll find American oak ex-Bourbon barrels have been used for the first cask, but it’s often with the second cask that more unusual flavours come into play. 

One of our favourites for this whisky finish is wine, but there’s a hell of a lot of inconsistency with the results. It’s no simple task aging whisky with wine, so if it sounds like it might be up your street, here are a few of our absolute favourites worth seeking out.

Black Bottle Double Cask Alchemy Series

Two blends intertwine to create this; a malt whisky matured in Spanish sherry casks and a grain whisky matured in red wine casks. As a result, the red fruits and berries are influential from nose to finish, but they are balanced out by vanilla and nutty notes. This is delightfully sweet wine finished whisky and we love the bottle too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find here: £25.75

Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask Edition

This splendid whisky is matured in American oak barrels and finished in French Cabernet Sauvignon casks imparting gorgeous notes of apple, honey, vanilla, and sweet red berry. It’s beautifully balanced because the mellow Tamnavulin works so well with the expressive fruity sweetness. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.74

Tullibardine 225 Sauternes Cask Finish

This is a gloriously golden single malt distilled in the Scottish Highlands finished in a 225-litre cask - hence the name! These casks used to hold Sauternes dessert wine, so it’s no surprise that this whisky is particularly creamy and citrusy, with traces of sweet spice lingering on the finish. It would work really nicely for a fruitier Irish Coffee.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.90

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 Bordeaux Edition

A fairly rare dram with a total of 358 bottles produced, it was distilled at Linkwood in Speyside and finished in a Bordeaux wine barrique (a fancier way of saying oak barrel, but particularly used for wines like Bordeaux). There’s a lot of very alluring baking notes with this one, including gentle spice, buttery pastry, baked apples and rich red fruits. The finish in particular is very warming with touches of roasted nut, pepper, and nutmeg. Super sippable!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.95

Green Spot Château Léoville Barton

Another whiskey finished in barriques, but this one is Irish! In fact, it’s billed as the first of its kind in that respect. Before reaching these Château Léoville Barton casks though, it’s initially matured in a mixture of ex-Oloroso Sherry and ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a deeply layered blend, with floral fruity notes, and a lingering spice that continues from palate to finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £53.99

Glenmorangie Nectar D'or Sauternes

The exquisitely named Nectar d’Or has the syrupy, honeysuckle, and orange peel notes that you’d expect from a sweet Sauternes wine. No smokiness, it’s golden inside and out and is definitely one for the wine lovers out there. It would work well with a lightly flavoured soda like grapefruit, but at this quality you’ve got to try it neat first. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £58.94 // US $81.99

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Sauternes Finish 

This was whisky legend Billy Walker’s favourite wine finished whisky when he spoke with us recently, so you’re in good hands trying this one. A wonderfully well balanced Sauternes cask finish with plenty of fresh fruity sweetness on the palate, it’s a delightful dram.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find here: £59.95

Whistle Pig 12 Year Old - Old World

Whistle Pig have been impressing people big time with their releases over the last few years and their award shelves must be feeling the strain, which explains the jump in price for this one. Old World is straight rye whiskey finished in three different wine casks – Madeira, Sauternes and finally Port. The spicy rye combines so well with the sweetness from the casks to create probably the best wine finished rye whiskey in the world. If you want to go all out, then this is the one for you.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £174.95 // US $179.99

We love wine finished whiskies at The Three Drinkers, so there’s a more detailed article here about Helena’s journey of discovery in Scotland. There’s also a few other fantastic options there that aren’t mentioned above!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

Bar Douro

Picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon and you are in search of the perfect place for an end-of-week treat that won’t break the bank. We have the perfect place for you! Tucked away in the Southwark Quarter by London Bridge is Bar Douro; a Portuguese bar and restaurant. The restaurant is small, intimate and cosy - ideal for rainy days sipping on a glass of red. There is also an outdoor terrace, which is great in the summer.

The menu has various traditional Portuguese tapas divided into 4 sections: snacks, garden, sea and land. These dishes are meant for sharing and the waitress recommended two to three plates per person. What we loved was that she also gave her recommendations based on what reminded her of home - a great personal touch! There is quite a wide price range, from £5 to £17, so you can choose how much you want to splurge on food. Our favourite dishes were the mushroom pie (a new addition to the menu) and the croquetes de alheira.

Now onto the exciting part - the wine. The extensive cellar list is filled with Portuguese wines organised by colour and then by region. This can naturally be confusing if you are not familiar with Portuguese wine regions, so a handy map is included, which also explains the key characteristics of the grapes. What filled us with even more excitement is that on Sundays, Bar Douro has a selection of wines sold at cellar prices (what they are calling “Festa Sundays”). We tried the Domino Foxtrot 2020, a beautiful light red from the Alentejo region for only £20. This wine was a light-bodied, easy drinking red, with notes of ripe red fruits, and went well with the wide variety of dishes we tried. 

Bar Douro is ideal for: Date night, or dinner with a friend. Due to the smaller space, we wouldn’t recommend large groups (4+)

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Range: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: 9/10

To see more reviews, click here!

Words by Hannah van Houweninge.

Christina’s Shoreditch

In the heart of Shoreditch is Christina’s; a luxurious bar on the ground floor of the Mondrian Hotel and with their new cocktail menu, it should be at the top of your “to visit” list!

The bar itself is beautifully decorated and on opening the menu, it’s sure to be love at first sight. The new selection of drinks has been curated by the head bartender, Kevin Price Houghton, and focuses on using smaller producers, most of which are UK based. Kevin has also worked with less traditional ingredients such as alexander seed and rosehip. His goal was to make these unusual ingredients more ‘relatable’ by using them in classic cocktails.

The perfect example of this is the Hogweed Martini; a beautifully smooth cocktail, with the added twist of the hogweed, as well as a pickled radish garnish. If you are in the mood for something slightly sweeter though, the Rosehip Cosmo is also a great choice; especially as it has a tangier fruitiness compared to the ‘normal’ cosmo we are all used to. The cocktails range from £13-£15, so they’re slightly on the pricier side, but worth every penny for their flair and character.

The menu also has a great selection of mocktails (£10 each) for anyone who wants to enjoy something delicious without the alcohol buzz. If you’re in the mood for something warmer though, they offer a large array of coffees, lattes, and teas. The tea company used, Nemi teas is also based locally in London. 

Once drinks are ordered, you might be feeling a bit peckish and Christina’s has various artisanal toasted sandwiches and nibbles to choose from. Prices range from £4-£10 and for any fellow vegetarians out there, the Korean Fried Cauliflower (KFC) is mouth-wateringly delicious!

The bar is calmer during the day and can be used for working lunches if you need to get out of your WFH office set-up. Then from around 6pm onwards, it starts filling up, and the music picks up the pace. Currently, on Thursdays and Fridays, there is also a DJ that starts his/her set at 8:30 pm. What more could you ask for in a bar? It covers all bases.

Christina’s is ideal for: Girl’s night, anniversaries, dates and after work drinks.

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value:  ⭐⭐⭐
Range:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: 9/10

Words by Hannah van Houweninge

Dr Pepper's New Limited Edition Bourbon Flavoured Drink

Whiskey purists among you may deem it blasphemous to mix such a complex concoction with Dr Pepper, but there are many that do. So many in fact, that Dr Pepper have now launched their own combination!

It has to be said at this point that whilst bourbon flavours the drink, it isn’t alcoholic. It’s advertised as containing notes of oak, vanilla, honey, and cherry, and whilst we haven’t managed to get our hands on any just yet to vouch for this (you’ll see why if you keep reading), we’re intrigued. 

If you stumbled across it on the supermarket shelves you probably wouldn’t notice it as Dr Pepper at all because it’s a very nicely designed silver can with a vintage label, resembling the bourbon bottles of years gone by. However, you probably won’t be finding it in supermarkets anytime soon because there are a few hoops to jump through if you want to get your hands on a can.

In short, you have to win one. If you sign up for Dr Pepper’s rewards, you’ll be able to play a completely free scratch card that will tell you if you’ve won. There are lots of other rewards too if you happen to already be a regular buyer of the original. You’ll have to be quick though, as you only have till November 17th. 

If your luck is in and you do win one, the Fansville Reserve will arrive in a very nice-looking burgundy gift box, and if what’s inside does legitimately taste of bourbon, then it could be amazing for adding subtle whiskey flavouring to drinks without the extra alcohol or to make some first class mocktails. 

When Dr Pepper announced their latest creation, some people responded with revulsion, whilst others desperately want it stocked in supermarkets – which camp do you fall into?

If you’ve tried some then don’t be shy, reach out to us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to let us know what you thought!

And if you want to be in it to win it, here’s the link! Good luck!